Roof prop and platform movably mounted on boom of tunnelling machine

Abstract

A mineral mining machine of the type having a boom-mounted cutter assembly carried by a mobile base unit is provided with a face support structure which is pivotally mounted on the boom. Fluid operable rams are provided for moving the structure between a stowed position lying adjacent the boom and an operational face supporting position perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the boom. The face support structure is brought into operation when it is desired to afford temporary support to a face of a ripping lip for example, in arch setting operations. In this latter respect, the boom also carries a stowable platform which can be opened out so that operatives may position themselves to handle arch sections which are elevated into position by a lifting mechanism also pivotally mounted on the boom.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A mineral mining machine includes a mobile base unit, a forwardly extending cutter-carrying boom mounted on the base unit and adapted for vertical and horizontal movement, a conveyor assembly attached to the base unit and extending from the front of the unit to the rear thereof, the conveyor unit being adapted to collect and convey material at the front of the unit to the rear of the unit for discharge, and a face support structure pivotally attached to the boom and being adapted for movement independently of the movement of said boom between an inoperative position adjacent the boom and a face supporting position orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the boom. 
     
     
       2. A machine according to claim 1 including power-operated means adapted to move the face support structure independently of the boom. 
     
     
       3. A machine according to claim 2 in which the power-operated means are fluid operable rams. 
     
     
       4. A machine according to claim 1 in which the structure includes two limbs, one located on either side of the boom and each pivotally attached thereto. 
     
     
       5. A machine according to claim 4 in which the structure includes a support member hinged to the two limbs and, in use, adapted to provide an abutment for engagement with a face to be supported. 
     
     
       6. A machine according to claim 1 including a lifting mechanism pivotally mounted on the boom, and actuating means for moving the lifting mechanism relative to the boom. 
     
     
       7. A machine according to claim 1 including a platform arrangement mounted on the boom. 
     
     
       8. A machine according to claim 7 in which the platform arrangement is in two parts, each part being disposed at one side of the boom. 
     
     
       9. A machine according to claim 8 in which each part of the platform arrangement comprises a number of plates relatively movable with respect to one another in mutually parallel planes. 
     
     
       10. A machine according to claim 9 in which a substantial portion of each plataform arrangement part is stowable. 
     
     
       11. A machine according to claim 9 in which the plates are pivotally mounted on the boom.